FROM THE KEYBOARD

What the Lord requires of us is to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him. To do justly is to live by integrity regardless of the consequences. To love mercy is to see others the way Jesus views them. And to walk humbly is to be poised by gentleness and powered by God's faithfulness. These are the Christian's requirements, not out of responsibility, but purely out of response to Calvary.

We pursue what we value. As does God. And since He pursued us by going to the cross and still pursues us with His grace, then what does that say about our value?

O Lord, Your forgiveness has set me free. Your amazing grace has made my heart a bended knee. And I thank you for Your relentless love that pursues me, for it changes me and altogether soothes me. You are a gracious God and a merciful Master, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The greatest power on earth is the power of the Holy Spirit. And the effectiveness of such power is only as great as your surrender to the Lord. Thus, when we yield to Him, this spiritual power becomes real to us. Because His power in you is greater than any power this world will ever offer you.

The fruitful life often needs rain just as much as sunshine. Thus, when we are connected to Jesus--the Vine--even the storms of life become useful in the process of becoming fruitful. Accept the rain then, knowing the sun is right on the other side of the clouds.

If you feel like you can't hold on any longer, you're probably right. And it may be wise to let go so that God can hold on to you. You see, God's desire isn't for us to get a better grip on Him, but for us to let go so that His grip can make us better.